Even the bravest daredevils will know that safety comes first. No matter how fast you’re going, there are certain ways of protecting yourself before you even sit down on your precious two-wheeled vehicle.

Motorcycle riders are, on average, eight times more likely to be injured in an accident than car drivers, and they are 35 times more likely to die in a crash. This makes safety even more important than the average driver who chooses a four-wheeled vehicle and also means that you should have a local San Antonio attorney that specializes in motorcycle accidents in mind in case anything is to happen.

Helmets

Although it may seem obvious, this is by far the most important step you can take when preventing serious injury or death from a crash. You can’t always control if you have a crash, but you can control what you put on your head before that crash. Increase your chances of survival by 37% by simply making the decision to wear a helmet.

Almost all US states have laws of some sort concerning motorcycle helmets. Make sure you are familiar with your local laws, and follow them accordingly. In Texas, for example, all riders below age 21 are required to wear a helmet. Riders older than that are allowed to decide for themselves, but if you cross the state line, then you are subject to the laws of that state.

Other Protective Gear

Besides helmets, every motorcycle driver knows which gear is absolutely essential to their safety. There’s a reason motorcycle gangs are known for their leather jackets – long leather sleeves are a simple (and cool) way of protecting your arms and torso in the case of a crash. The same goes for pants – they should be leather and should cover the entirety of your legs. Your shoes should be equally durable, and shouldn’t have high heels or slippery soles. Make sure your laces are tucked away safely so they don’t catch on anything.

Finally, you’ll need some strong gloves and goggles or a face shield to add the finishing touches. A windshield is not going to protect you the same way the goggles or face shield would, so these last pieces are just as important as the rest.

Safety While Driving

While you are probably a responsible driver yourself, everyone else is not going to be the same. There are plenty of distracted, irresponsible drivers out there, so make sure they can’t help but see where you are at all times. You can do this by wearing bright clothing, keeping your headlight on both day and night, and being careful to use your signal, even if you don’t see anyone else around.

That being said, you should have the mental perspective that actually no one can see you at all. Assume they’re distracted or not paying close attention. That means you should ride defensively, and be cautious around other drivers. If you’re driving behind another vehicle, allow plenty of space in between. Don’t whip from lane to lane, but take more time than you think is necessary. Keep an eye out on the road ahead for anything dangerous that could be coming up fast. Always be prepared for sudden changes or turns.

Know Your Motorcycle

Although you probably know your bike like the back of your hand, are you fully aware of its safety features? Your motorcycle should always have tires with reliable tread, a working headlight, tail light, brake light, and turn signals, front and rear brakes, horn, and two mirrors. You should also be sure to check things like the fluid levels, the condition your bike’s battery is in, the tension of the chain or belt, the clutch, and throttle before starting your drive. If you’re a new motorcycle driver, try driving in an open area that doesn’t have much traffic until you are really used to the feel of it. If you get in an accident make sure to contact a San Antonio motorcycle attorney that has proven experience in winning motorcycle cases similar to yours.